Minnesota Divorce and Dissolution Resources

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A Minnesota divorce is filed in the District Court, usually in the Family Court, and the paperwork you start with depends on whether you have minor children together and whether there is property to divide.

Minnesota's core family statutes live in the Minnesota Statutes Chapter 518 - Marriage Dissolution. In Minnesota, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. The official sources below cover the petition documents, the statewide forms collection, and the court's own filing instructions.

Official Minnesota divorce resources

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Minnesota family law forms (official index) (Minnesota judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Minnesota family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx?c=14

Minnesota court self-help resources (Minnesota courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Minnesota family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics.aspx

Minnesota eFile and eServe (eFS) (Tyler Technologies): E-filing works in all 87 Minnesota counties. It is optional for people without a lawyer, but once you e-file one document in a case you must keep e-filing for the rest of that case. https://efilemn.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp

Minnesota official filing information (Minnesota judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Minnesota and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.mncourts.gov/efile

Minnesota financial affidavit and disclosure forms (mncourts.gov): The official source for the financial disclosure paperwork most Minnesota family cases ask both sides to complete. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Child-Support.aspx

Minnesota mediation and dispute resolution (Minnesota judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Minnesota family case without a trial. https://www.mncourts.gov/Help-Topics/Mediation.aspx

Verified official Minnesota divorce documents

These official documents cover starting a divorce, responding to one, settling, and the final orders. Requirements vary by county, so confirm the packet with your clerk before filing.

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage Without Children (DIV402), form DIV402 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://mncourts.gov/_media/migration/courtforms/divorce/div402_current.pdf

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage With Children (DIV802), form DIV802 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://mncourts.gov/_media/migration/courtforms/divorce/div802_current.pdf

Answer and Counter Petition, with Children (DIV902), form DIV902 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/DIV902.pdf?ext=.pdf

Combined Summons (DIV803), form DIV803 (Divorce / Dissolution), official document: https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/DIV803.pdf?ext=.pdf

Stipulated Judgment and Decree, with Children (DIV806), form DIV806 (Final Judgment / Final Orders), official document: https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/DIV806.pdf?ext=.pdf

Official link data for Minnesota was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file for divorce in Minnesota?

In the District Court, usually in the Family Court that serves the county where you live. In Minnesota, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.

How much does it cost to file a family case in Minnesota?

Dissolution filing fee: ~$365-$390. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.

Do I need a lawyer to file a Minnesota divorce?

No. Minnesota publishes its family law forms for people representing themselves, and the self-help resources on this page exist for exactly that. A consultation still makes sense when there is a business, a pension, or a serious safety issue in the case.